Understanding Your Deviated Septum

Summary: If you have difficulties with breathing or sleeping, it is very possible that these issues are being caused by a deviated septum. Understanding nasal complications can help you take the actions necessary to correct your issues and live a healthy, beautiful life.

What Is A Deviated Septum?

A nasal septum deviation, commonly referred to as a “deviated septum,” is a condition where the nasal septum is off center to a point where it causes the nose to have problems functioning. The nasal septum itself is the wall that divides the nasal cavity in half, so you can imagine the complications that can result if that cartilage not being perfectly straight. Pathways that are even on both sides allow for an ease in breathing, but if one of the pathways is narrower than the other, snoring, sleep apnea, or general breathing issues may result. It is believed that about 80% of septum’s are deviated so slightly that there is no real side effects- however noses with a larger deviation can wreak havoc on your health and wellness.

What Are My Treatment Options?

There are a few different things that can be done to repair a deviated septum. Often times the deviation is due to trauma to the nose, like a sports injury or a result of a fight. In these cases, cosmetic alterations may also be necessary to repair the aesthetics of the nose and face. In cases of birth defect, external complications may not always be visible and all of the problems will be able to be addressed inside the nose.

Septoplasty: Septoplasty is not generally performed on minors because it is critical that the septum is fully grown before undergoing this type of surgery. It is oftentimes the preferred method on adults, however, because changes are made primarily through the nostrils and the surgery doesn’t create any external results.

Cosmetic Surgery:Rhinoplasty procedures are increasingly common in minors today, as long as their noses are fully developed. Cosmetically altering the nose by repairing the deviated septum can have long lasting positive effects on your self-esteem and self-image no matter what age you are.

Combination: Many patients choose to undergo a combination of procedures, internally repairing the deviated septum and adding some external cosmetic changes to the mix. If you are already undergoing a nasal procedure, plastic surgery is often a common add-on.

Every deviated septum is different, and every patient’s needs and desires are different. There is no one right way to repair your nose and taking all your options into consideration will guarantee your success.

What Is My Next Step?

Being diagnosed with a deviated septum can be both exciting and terrifying. Knowing that you have found the answer to your struggles can be a relief, but knowing what to do next can come with a host of challenges. Having a thorough discussion with your plastic surgeon will help ease any of your worries. Knowledge is power, and the more you know, the better off you will be. You will have choices to make when it comes to your treatment, and understanding the benefits of both septoplasty and rhinoplasty will allow you to make an educated choice of what is best for you. The main thing to remember is that relief is on its way. A diagnosis of a deviated septum means that a solution is right around the corner.